I remember learning in school that our normal body temperature is 36.9 degrees C. But I realised this was not very useful for a new mother with a baby having her first fever. We did not bring out the thermometer until the day we suspected M was having her first fever. A BIG mistake!
If you carry your child often enough, you would probably notice that he/ she feels warmer than usual. Otherwise, you may notice some behavioural changes, like loss of appetite or fussiness. We know now, after a few bouts of fever, that M’s cheeks always become rosier when she’s running a temperature. She also perspires less somehow, even with the same level of activity. And her normal body temperature is between 36.5 and 36.8 degrees C.
So if you are lucky enough not to have experienced your child’s first fever, I strongly recommend that you measure his/ her temperature once you’ve settled down at home or when your child is well. And not just once, you need to do it at different times of the day as our temperatures change through the day and in different environments (eg, air-conditioned environment).
And remember to record it somewhere, and you’ll see how helpful it can be…
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